Saligao Serenade

by Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas

Dr. Jose Antonio Nicolau Ribeiro Fernandes was an eminent doctor from Grande Morodd in Saligao, and was born there on 29 April 1845, to Benedita Ribeiro and Tomas Fernandes. After completing his preliminary studies in the local school and lyceum, he joined the Goa Medical College.

He was an outstanding student and consistently stayed at the top of the class every year until his graduation in 1868. The thesis that he prepared for his degree was studied by a board of eminent doctors and was awarded a ‘special merit’ for the exceptionally good work produced. Two years later he was appointed professor at the college, and then, after another two years, medical officer attached to the military hospital.

A democracia dated 30 May 1889 described him thus: “Jose Nicolau Ribeiro Fernandes as a medical practitioner worked hard to alleviate the suffering humanity from sickness, especially the poor, who found in him their zealous protector.”

As a physiologist and hygienist he occupied a high position. He worked selflessly to inculcate in the minds of his students the knowledge of science as was prevalent at that time. From a young age, studies were his constant preoccupation and his only passion was to acquire much knowledge. He was exceptionally loved by all, and his premature death at the age of 44 left behind a void that was hard to fill. Dr. Ribeiro Fernandes was of modest nature, unshakeable character—a generous soul, ever faithful to his duty. These qualities made him acquire admiration and affection from all those who knew him.